Doctors are frequently prescribing antibiotics to children and teenagers diagnosed with pink eye, despite guidelines advising against their routine use, according to new research published Thursday.

The study, based on a comprehensive analysis of insurance claims from 2021, revealed that more than two-thirds of U.S. children who sought medical care for pink eye received prescriptions for antibiotic eye drops. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is often caused by viruses, against which antibiotics are ineffective. Even bacterial infections causing mild conjunctivitis typically resolve on their own without antibiotic treatment, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Symptoms of pink eye include redness, swelling, and sometimes itching of the eyes. Simple remedies such as applying a cold, damp cloth and using artificial tears are generally sufficient to alleviate discomfort.

The research encompassed nearly 45,000 pediatric cases treated at doctor's offices, eye clinics, or emergency rooms across the United States. Surprisingly, despite the widespread prescription of antibiotics, fewer than 4% of patients returned for follow-up visits, suggesting that complications or serious issues due to untreated pink eye were uncommon.

Among different healthcare settings, doctor's offices were the most likely to prescribe antibiotics (72% of cases), followed by emergency rooms (57%) and eye clinics (34%). Dr. Rupa Wong, a pediatric eye specialist and spokesperson for the ophthalmology group, noted that eye clinics often possess the diagnostic tools to accurately determine the cause of pink eye, enabling more targeted treatment strategies.

Dr. Daniel Shapiro, a pediatric emergency physician and co-author of the study, acknowledged the understandable concern parents have when their child exhibits symptoms of infection. "The eye looks red and unpleasant, so it’s quite alarming," he said. However, he emphasized that antibiotics should not be indiscriminately administered if they do not contribute to effective treatment.

While the study did not delve into the specific reasons behind antibiotic prescriptions or their outcomes, Dr. Wong stressed that supportive measures can effectively manage symptoms without relying on antibiotic eye drops. She underscored the importance of exploring alternative approaches to enhance patient comfort without unnecessary antibiotic use.

The findings underscore the ongoing challenge of aligning medical practices with evidence-based guidelines, particularly in managing conditions like pink eye where overprescribing antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance and unnecessary healthcare costs. As healthcare providers continue to navigate these complexities, promoting judicious antibiotic use remains crucial in safeguarding effective treatment outcomes and public health.